How to Write 锺 (zhōng) — Meaning “Ancient wine vessel; cup”

Imagine a heavy metal cup that is filled with wine. The left side 钅 is the metal, and the right side 重 looks like a person carrying a heavy load — together they form a "heavy metal cup." This helps you recall that 锺 is an ancient wine vessel and is used in words like 锺爱 (to dote on).

Write the left radical 钅 first (5 strokes: stroke order is 撇, 横, 横, 横, 竖提), then add the right part 重 (9 strokes: 撇, 横, 竖, 横折, 横, 横, 竖, 横, 横). A common mistake is confusing the right side with 中 (as in 钟 for clock); remember that 锺 uses 重, which has more strokes and a different meaning.

锺 (zhōng) has right side 重 (heavy) and means wine vessel or to dote, while 铓 (máng) has right side 亡 (death) plus a knife radical and means a blade’s tip. 铸 (zhù) has right side 寿 (longevity) and means to cast metal. Visually, 锺 is unique with the heavy-looking 重, whereas 铓 and 铸 have distinct right components.

锺 is not common in everyday vocabulary and is absent from HSK lists. It is most often used as a surname (姓锺) or in literary expressions like 锺爱 (to dote on) and 锺情 (to be deeply in love). Because of its classical feel, you will encounter it in poetry, names, or formal writing rather than in casual conversation.

Common words containing 锺 include: 锺爱 (zhōng ài) — To dote on; to cherish; 锺情 (zhōng qíng) — To fall in love; to be deeply enamored; 姓锺 (xìng zhōng) — Surname Zhong.